The Bible teaches many things, and alludes to many different people, historical accounts, and circumstances, and yet, one clear and central theme emanates from its pages from beginning to end. The Bible’s overarching purpose is the glory of God throughout all ages, as generally seen in all of God’s Creation, and specifically taught in the manifestation of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. This is especially the case with the redemption story that Jesus brings for God’s glory through His own vicarious, sacrificial death on Calvary’s Cross for all who will believe.
This concept of glory through the Creation is seen in such verses as Revelation 4:11, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth His handywork.”
But Romans 1:18-21 demonstrates the need for Jesus Christ to come into the world. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Because God did not receive the Glory due unto Him by man from the Creation, Jesus Christ had to come and die on the Cross to reconcile man unto God.
Thus Paul declares, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, . . . Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:14-15, 21). “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 4:19-20). “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
The central purpose expressed in all of Scripture, then, is the ultimate glory of God through both His creative works and His Son, Jesus Christ.